Editor's Note
In the midst of uncertainty, kindness and courage remind us that better days lie ahead
Hospital staff, including nurses, doctors and administrators, look on as the United States Navy Blue Angels pass over Medical City Dallas on May 6, 2020. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
In this trying time, we look for reasons to stay hopeful. America at its best is a compassionate country, one where individuals help their neighbors, organizations and businesses lend a hand, and communities come together when we need it most. This special issue of The Catalyst honors the helpers and heroes among us, those who stay committed to kindness and courage amid the crisis.
President and Mrs. Bush write from Crawford, Texas, where President Bush reminds us that though we may be physically separated now, together we will come through this stronger than ever. Mrs. Bush praises parents who have taken on new roles as at-home educators balancing the family dynamics of quarantine and the committed, creative teachers finding new ways to reach students.
We look to those on the medical frontlines, where Dr. Jay Bhatt praises his colleagues confronting the virus with determination and empathy. Seema Reza reminds us that as we heal and give thanks and praise to our medical workers, we must also remember to give them room to heal themselves.
CEO of Feeding America Claire Babineaux-Fontenot offers her perspective on how the goodness of everyday Americans is making a difference but cautions that the challenge of food insecurity will need heroes far beyond this pandemic.
Cullum Clark, Director at the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, highlights how the private sector has stepped up to help, from innovations to corporations providing much-need supplies for those in desperate need. Bill Berrien, CEO of Pindel Global Precision, is a shining example and explains how his company shifted gears to make ventilator parts.
We are reminded that a moment like this can offer greater perspective. The Bush Institute’s Bill McKenzie writes on finding connectedness through virtual faith communities, and Pastor Bryan Carter and Pastor Jeff Warren discuss how they see the Dallas community healing.
Major League Baseball pitcher Clayton Kershaw and his wife Ellen reflect on bonus family time and their charity work. Robert Neely, Jr., founder of the “good news” company InspireMore, tells us what’s encouraging him. And best-selling author Bob Goff gives us all a reason to smile.
I owe a special thank you to Bill McKenzie, founding editor of The Catalyst, for paving the trail and providing support. I’m grateful that in my first issue as editor of The Catalyst I’m able to help share these voices, and I hope you’re as moved as I am by the stories and people in the pages that follow.